Montenegro to beef up cybersecurity capabilities in wake of election attacks

Podgorica will crack down on cyber attackers after several pro-government portals and state websites were targeted during Montenegro's October elections, the Balkan Insight news agency reported Tuesday.

Under a new cybersecurity strategy, all public sector workers will receive mandatory training and authorities will launch a team specifically geared towards tackling cyber attacks.

"The severity and sophistication of cyber attacks affecting Montenegro during 2016 were reflected in the increased number of identified attacks on infrastructure and cyber-espionage cases, as well as through phishing campaigns which targeted civil servants," the Public Administration Ministry said in a report.

There were over 200 reported cases of attacks on government sites, online fraud and misused personal accounts in 2016, versus just six in 2012, according to the ministry.

Montenegrin authorities have blamed Russia for the attacks, claiming the country sought to interfere in its elections. Moscow has denied it was responsible.